Text Messaging: Superior or Appalling?

By Jocelyn Jones

Assistant Managing Editor

            We as students are really into our technology. It's like every time a new phone comes out we need to go out and get it before everyone else does. It is a new year and therefore new material things are coming out. Such as new phone, it's all about text messaging; no one calls any more unless you are Ma Dukes.

Texting is more convenient especially when you are in class. You can be sitting in a dull class and text message your friends who are in your class or another or your family---it does not matter it is a great tool. We all are in the texting phase that I think will last for quite a while until you get arthritis in your figures or you're very old. There is no need to use your anytime minutes when you can have unlimited text messaging or for those of you on a shared/family plan with a certain amount minutes like 500 at the least. Texting can be good or bad, it is cute in a way to text your emotions but don't go too overboard and "syce" it like it is the new thing to do and not say what you feel in person. You can either mean it or not because you are not going to display it. I don't mean display it for the whole world to see, but it is nice to do it one on one or at least show you care. Sometimes text messages are read in different ways that you think and at times it is not in a way that you write. You cannot always get the full emotions out of a text message because some people take it a little too far. You can text your emotions in a text message but cannot display them as often as you should and that goes for guys and girls (people are just faking or there just not into you like you would like).

I believe that it is funny getting into arguments in a text message. I heard it is easier than saying it in person. Some people even believe in text messaging break-ups which is pathetic and ridiculous but easier for the break-up "E" and not the Break-up "Err." So why do you have paragraph after paragraph after paragraph to say what you have to say in a text message rather than say it in person or on the phone, at least give them that much. Then again, it is so convenient; sometimes you may not fell like talking to that person. Or your busy somewhere and you cannot use your phone. Maybe you would not like to use your daytime minutes for an argument. You have a lot to say in a message but not have the audacity to call and see what's up. Then again it varies on what the situation because I know some professors have a problem with it in the classrooms. I do not know why they prefer us to turn off our cell phones when that is not possible because it has to be on for emergencies.

If you are sitting the house chillin, why send a text message on the weekend when you can call especially if you are about to bring up some drama (tell a dramatic story)? You may not know what the other person is doing but you can always call and find out and if they do not answer then you know what's up. Times are not going to change; various people have different views on text messaging whether or not it is better than talking on the phone. But it all depends on the situation and the circumstances even though it is more convenient in certain ways.